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    bxjewel717's Avatar
    bxjewel717 Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Aug 31, 2012, 05:52 PM
    Rental car Rear-ended while stopped in traffic
    I was on vacation in Puerto Rico. I was involved in a car accident where I was rear ended while stopped in heavy traffic. At the time of rental , I chose not to pay for their insurance because I have active FULL insurance coverage of my own (Geico). I verified with my insurance beforehand and was told I would be covered. The police report clearly described the accident how it occurred, and I presented the rental company all documentation and police report that they requested before returning (home) to NY. I reported the accident to my insurance and they took all the info. 5 months later I receive notice from the rental company charging me for repair damages exceeding $5,000.00. They say because I declined the"Loss Damage Waiver" offered at the time of rental, that I am responsible for any damages regardless of fault. How could I be responsible when I was rear ended. Shouldn't they seek payment from the other drivers insurance?
    JudyKayTee's Avatar
    JudyKayTee Posts: 46,503, Reputation: 4600
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    #2

    Aug 31, 2012, 06:09 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by bxjewel717 View Post
    I was on vacation in Puerto Rico. I was involved in a car accident where I was rear ended while stopped in heavy traffic. At the time of rental , I chose not to pay for their insurance because I have active FULL insurance coverage of my own (Geico). I verified with my insurance beforehand and was told I would be covered. The police report clearly described the accident how it occurred, and I presented the rental company all documentation and police report that they requested before returning (home) to NY. I reported the accident to my insurance and they took all the info. 5 months later I receive notice from the rental company charging me for repair damages exceeding $5,000.00. They say because I declined the"Loss Damage Waiver" offered at the time of rental, that I am responsible for any damages regardless of fault. How could I be responsible when I was rear ended. Shouldn't they seek payment from the other drivers insurance?

    Turn it over to GEICO - they will deal with the problem, possibly pay it and pursue the other driver.
    ScottGem's Avatar
    ScottGem Posts: 64,966, Reputation: 6056
    Computer Expert and Renaissance Man
    		  
    #3

    Aug 31, 2012, 07:07 PM
    You need to read the contract. It is possible when you signed the waiver, that you did waive the issue of fault.

    So basically you turn this over to GEICO.
    bxjewel717's Avatar
    bxjewel717 Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #4

    Aug 31, 2012, 08:07 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by JudyKayTee View Post
    Turn it over to GEICO - they will deal with the problem, possibly pay it and pursue the other driver.
    I'm confident Geico will take care of it, its just so frustrating... being a long wkend, I have to wait until Tuesday before I hear from my insurance. Ughhhh!
    Thank you for you feedback
    bxjewel717's Avatar
    bxjewel717 Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Aug 31, 2012, 08:18 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by ScottGem View Post
    You need to read the contract. It is possible when you signed the waiver, that you did waive the issue of fault.

    So basically you turn this over to GEICO.
    Yeah... the small print! But still, the other driver was totally at fault. I mean, the traffic was at a standstill! He had been fooling around with his cellphone when he slammed into me which was what distracted him at that moment... too bad he said that before the police arrived. But like you said... turn it over to Geico. Thank you for the feedback.
    ScottGem's Avatar
    ScottGem Posts: 64,966, Reputation: 6056
    Computer Expert and Renaissance Man
    		  
    #6

    Sep 1, 2012, 04:39 AM
    Here's the thing. The rental company doesn't care. They just want their car repaired. They have you on the hook. I don't know what the insured status of the other driver was. It just may cost them or be more complicated to go after the other driver.

    GEICO is pretty good about not raising rates over things like this. So I doubt if this will affect your premiums. They will pay and do what they can to go after the other driver.

    You will have no worries.
    bxjewel717's Avatar
    bxjewel717 Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #7

    Sep 1, 2012, 06:05 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by ScottGem View Post
    Here's the thing. The rental company doesn't care. They just want their car repaired. They have you on the hook. I don't know what the insured status of the other driver was. It just may cost them or be more complicated to go after the other driver.

    GEICO is pretty good about not raising rates over things like this. So I doubt if this will affect your premiums. They will pay and do what they can to go after the other driver.

    You will have no worries.
    Awww! Your response brings comfort to me! I was worried about that. But yes, I'm sure Geico will take care of this whole mess. Knock on wood, I haven't put in a claim in 15yrs! Thanks so much!
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